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3700 block of Lindell -- St. Louis, MO

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (KMOV.com) -- Police are searching for an armed suspect after two female Saint Louis University students were robbed near the school's campus within five days.

The first incident happened on the sidewalk in the 3700 block of Lindell around 10 p.m. Sunday night. The suspect reportedly approached a female victim and brandished a small handgun, then demanded the victim's bag.

Authorities say a similar robbery happened near the intersection of Lindell and Spring Ave. around 2 a.m. Thursday. An unknown subject approached a female victim and displayed a silver handgun, before fleeing the scene with the victim's cell phone and purse.

Neither victim was hurt during the robberies, but some SLU students say the incidents are making them uneasy.

"It's nerve-wracking because I'm a female," said Stacey Schubert, a SLU student. "And it's scary because you don't want to get your purse stolen. And you don't want to be in any trouble."

SLU officials say the university's Department of Public Safety will increase evening patrols around campus.

The robberies come not long after talks about improving security at SLU. Last Fall, the city requested that SLU contribute money to increased security measures near the campus.

University President Lawrence Biondi said the measure was unnecessary, and that security staff was adequate at the time.

Here is the full text of the SLU crime alert emails:

January 20, 2013

Students, Faculty and Staff:

We want to call your attention to an off-campus incident involving a Saint Louis University student. The student reported that she was robbed of her bag which contained her wallet and iPod, at approximately 10:00 p.m. today on the sidewalk in front of the Coronado, 3701 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis. The subject brandished a small handgun and demanded her bag. The student was not injured. St. Louis City Police responded and are investigating the incident.

The student provided the following description of the suspect: black male, dark complexion, 5' 8", 20 - 30 years of age, dressed in a dark blue hoodie and dark pants.

In addition to making you aware of this off-campus incident, we would like to share the following safety tips.

If you are the victim of a crime immediately call 911 or DPSEP at 314-977-3000.
Always try to walk in a group, especially at night.
Always remain alert and aware of your surroundings.
Scan parking lots, sidewalks, and streets for suspicious persons and activity.
Avoid being distracted by use of your mobile devices.
Report suspicious activity or persons to DPSEP or the Metropolitan Police.
Make a mental note of gender, race, age, height, clothing, distinguishing characteristics and mannerisms of the suspect. Also note direction of travel.

In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Security Act, the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness (DPSEP) is sharing the following Campus Safety Notice about an incident reported to DPSEP.

This morning, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department notified DPSEP that a student was robbed at approximately 2:00 a.m. near the corner of Lindell Boulevard and Spring Avenue on the edge of the campus.

The student was approached by unknown subject, who displayed a silver handgun. The student surrendered her purse and cellphone, and the subject fled the scene in a dark-colored SUV.

The student was not injured during the incident. City police are investigating the matter, and DPSEP will increase its evening patrols in the vicinity.

The subject is described as a black male in his early 20s, 5’8”-6’ feet tall, thin build, wearing a dark-colored ski jacket, black pants and a black knit cap.

In addition to making you aware of this incident, we would like to share the following safety tips.

· Report the incident immediately by calling DPSEP at 314-977-3000 or 911.
· Make a mental note of the suspect’s gender, race, age, height, clothing and distinguishing characteristics.
· If more than one suspect is involved, concentrate on the person closest to you.
· Try to note the direction of travel of the suspect(s) from the scene.

Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness' SLURide Program also provides free safety escorts for students, faculty, staff and visitors who want to be accompanied to cars, other buildings or across campus.